HC Deb 07 August 1918 vol 109 cc1341-2
35. Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the indignation and resentment felt by Irish Roman Catholic prisoners of war in German and other enemy hands, their parents, and other near relatives, at the action of the English Censor in refusing to allow religious emblems sent to these prisoners to afford them consolation in their captivity to be forwarded to them; and whether the Government have considered the prejudicial effect such conduct is likely to produce on enlistment, and will give immediate directions that this irritating practice should be terminated?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I regret that this Regulation cannot be relaxed, but any application for permission to send such emblems will be carefully considered if made direct to the Chief Postal Censor.

Mr. MacNEILL

Why cannot it be relaxed? Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that it is an insult to these men. If he does not know that, let him ask the right hon. Gentleman, who is a Roman Catholic, who is sitting beside him on the Treasury Bench.

Mr. MACPHERSON

There is no insult intended at all in this Regulation.

Mr. MacNEILL

Is it not part of the policy of War Office malignity described by the Prime Minister to refuse to allow these poor people the consolation of religious emblems?

Mr. MACPHERSON

No; the question of malignity or insult does not come into the matter. It is a strict rule, passed in the interests of this country by a Censor who knows his duty. There are equally stringent Regulations on people in this country.

Sir F. FLANNERY

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain the reason why these emblems may not pass? Is there a sound reason for it?

Mr. MACPHERSON

There is a very sound reason. It is too long to explain.

Mr. MacNEILL

Is not this part and parcel of War Office insult and malignity—a great scandal?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The question of malignity or insult does not enter into the question at all. It is purely a strict rule passed in the interest of this country by the Censor, who knows his duty.

Sir R. ADKINS

Could not the right hon. Gentleman, in reply to these numerous questions, indicate in brief the general character of the reasons?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The House will realise that it is difficult to do that within the limits of a question and answer. I am not afraid to answer. All that I demand is that I should be asked in a proper way.

Mr. DEVLIN

If I ask the right hon. Gentleman in a proper way, will he do it?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Certainly; tomorrow.

Mr. CHANCELLOR

Will the right hon. Gentleman not circulate in the Press an explanation which will reach everybody?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I shall be ready to give any information at my disposal to any Member of the House.

Mr. MacNEILL

At once?

Mr. MACPHERSON

At once.